By Danny Coleman

originally published: 03/29/2018

"I was born in Jersey City and moved out to the suburbs, Scotch Plains when I was about eight years old," says the man known as, "New Jersey's Bad Boy," as he discussed his upcoming appearances at the NJPAC in Newark on Saturday April 7.

Comedian Mike Marino, has attended some of the most, "Prestigious acting schools in New York" and has performed his comedy in venues all over the country and the world; yet this guy from North Jersey really didn't intend it to happen that way. "I've been an actor my entire life, ever since I was a little kid; I never really wanted to be a comedian. I didn't get into comedy until I was around 28 or 29. I had already been on a lot of TV commercials and I was in soap operas ("One Life to Live," "As The World Turns") and when I moved to California trying to get work as an actor, a lot of people kept saying that I was funny and the way you people from New Jersey sound and the way you act and you don't even look like you're Italian because I had blonde hair and blue eyes, so I just went with it. I started meeting a lot of other comedians, I cut my teeth at the Comedy Store and I got addicted to it.There's no better high than performing and having people laugh and enjoy what you're doing and through stand up I ended up getting parts on TV shows and parts in movies and now I'm in the top 100 touring comedians in the country."

Marino has paid his dues to grace those small and big screens and through hard work and dedication or perhaps tenacity; his career is now in full bloom. "I was on "Party of Five," "Becker," "Frazier," I was a regular sketch player on "The Tonight Show" for about 10 years. I just finished a movie that's out now called, "Criticized." I actually co-star as a detective looking for the murderer; it's on Amazon Prime and my most recent live performance from the Borgata in Atlantic City is now on Amazon Prime too. They both came out at the same time with the same director which is really great for us all. We've also created a TV series about me running for President of the United States ("Marino 2016"). Go to my YouTube channel, "Mike Marino Live" and watch the series that we created, it's very funny."

Marino lives on the west coast these days, closer to the epicenter of his career but comes home as often as possible and this coming week is a reunion with friends, family and most of all; his fans. "The Make America Italian Again Tour," stops at one of the best known venues in the country, the NJPAC. With both shows nearing sold out status, Marino doesn't even attempt to hide his excitement and promises a fun night for those who attend. "This is big man.This is a big night we're doing two shows; 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. I've got a DJ playing music that's going to put people in a great mood; I always have a DJ that makes people happy. I've got Bill Spadea hosting the show from 101.5 and then I brought in John Bramnick who is a state assemblyman and he wanted to do stand up so I said, OK you're on the show (laughs). So you're gonna get some politics and then you're gonna get 100 percent of me losing my mind on one of the most incredible stages in the country."

Never one to shy away from discussing his Italian heritage, he finds humor in his family and some stereotypes. Perhaps this is the reason why he returns often to his Jersey roots and goes, "Facebook Live" with a show from his lower level and engages fans, celebrities, friends and more. "I have a house still in New Jersey; I actually own the home I grew up in which is where I do the show, "Live From My Mothers Basement" and I have a place in Los Angeles. I'm coming home Friday for about five weeks but I'll be going to Pittsburgh,PA, Florida; so it depends on where I'm touring. I do three shows a week somewhere around the world, and I do a cruise ship once a month; it's phenomenal."

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Marino averages between 150 and 200 shows a year and if you want to catch him next Saturday at NJPAC or anywhere else on this tour; please visit www.mikemarino.net for tickets and more information.

That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!

This week's event listings

Alchemist & Barrister
28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Thurs. "Pasta and Sinatra Night"
Wed. 10 p.m. (TBA)

Arts Council of Princeton
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-8777
Please check web page for upcoming events

Bill's Olde Tavern
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia
Ages 21+

Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Jam
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

Bowman's Tavern
1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Dave Dales Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. Patrick & Debra
Sun. (Closed for Easter)
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Ed Wilson
Wed. 6 p.m. Lorenzo

Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room
19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-356
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Sara M
Sat. 9 p.m. Forever Vista

Bung's Tavern
2031 Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 499-1355
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic

Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. (TBA) $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)

Chickie's & Pete's
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia

City Streets
510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays"
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie & Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval

COARadio.com
125 South Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Doc Rotten

Dadz Bar & Grill
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night w/ DJ Phil
Fri. 10 p.m. Sugar Rush Rocks
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Karaoke Dance Party
Tues. 5 p.m. "Twilight Tuesdays-Sounds of the Oldies" w/ J-Dubbs Music
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Christine Smith

Diamond's of Hamilton
661 Route 33 Hamilton
(609) 981-7900
Fri. 6 p.m. Tymes 2
Sat. 9 p.m. "Back In The Day" w/ DJ Anthony Bradley
Sun. 12 p.m. "Jazz Brunch" feat. (TBA)
Wed. 7 p.m. "Dine and Dance" w/ Radio Personality Bob Pantano.

Dog & Bull Brew House
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Joe Robinson
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Funky Friday Happy Hour" (9 p.m.) Dustin Beck
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. David Dzubinski (9 p.m.) Vince Schneider
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Jazz Brunch" feat. Keli Vale

Freddies Tavern
12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Fri. 8 p.m. Rich Scanella
Sat. 8 p.m. Judge & Jury
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala

Grover's Mill Coffee House
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker

Halo Pub
4617 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square
(609) 586-1811
Sat. 7 p.m. Deb & Mike

Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party
Sat. (8 p.m.) "Phil Collins Tribute" w/ Hello I Must Be Going. Doors at 6 p.m., $35 (11 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Showcase" Hosted by Pat Foran feat. Joshua Van Ness / Jessica Paris

Hopewell Theater
5 South Greenwood Avenue Hopewell
(609) 466-1964
Check web page for upcoming events

Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn
15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night

Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Catmoondaddy
Fri. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Silent Q
Sat. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Acoustic Road
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. (TBA)

Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill
7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul Kircher
Fri. 7 p.m. Billy The Kid
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Whiskey Grin
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam

Iron Plow Vineyards
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. John Rossi
Sat. 1 p.m. Terry Rivel

Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 9 p.m. Blues In Disguise
Sat. 9 p.m. AM Mafia
All shows 21+

Jake's Eatery
869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 322-6787
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ Julian Roso
Sat. 9 p.m. Bob Shetzline
Sun. 7:30 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Bob Tomlinson
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Night

John & Peter's
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. JP & The Swiss Guard
Fri. 9 p.m. Room for Mojo
Sat. (3 p.m.) Fahrenheit (9:30 p.m.) Brother Eye, Suffacox, mk2
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+

Jo-Jo's Tavern & Restaurant
2677 Nottingham Way Mercerville
(609) 586-2678
Sat. 10 p.m. Audiopilot

Killarney's Publick House
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 9 p.m. DJ Byrd
Sat. 8 p.m. El Ka Bong

Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 6 p.m. Girls Night Out "Yoga and Wine"
Sat. 1 p.m. Rick Winow
Sun. 10:30 a.m. "Easter Brunch"

Logan Inn
10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2300
Fri. 7:30 p.m. John Beacher & Guest
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Jeff Penque
Sun. 11 am "Jazz Brunch" feat. (TBA)

Mamma Rosa's
572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider

McGuinn's Place
1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+

McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Fri. 10 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ DJ O_Geez
Sat. 9 p.m. The Fredz, Bottoms Up
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Kirchner Entertainment

Millhill Basement
300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Fri. 9 p.m. The Cryptkeeper Five, Doc Rotten (EP Release Party), Lamplighters
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase

Mojito Cuba Caribe
90 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(267) 740-2900
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Chris

New Hope Winery
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Check web site for upcoming events

Nook's PourHouse
2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics

Nottingham Tavern
9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Super Dave
Fri. 8 p.m. Moot Davis & Bill Corvino
Sat. 9 p.m. ArHouse
Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow
Ages 21+

O'Connor's American Bar & Grille
1383 Monmouth Road East Hampton
(609) 261-1555
Fri. 6 p.m. "Irish Murder Mystery Dinner"
Sun. 11 a.m. "Easter Celebration"

Old Town Pub
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 291-9232
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)

Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Smoked Ice
All shows 21 +

Patriots Crossing
1339 River Road Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"

Parx Casino (360 Bar)
2999 Street Road Bensalem, PA
(888) 588-7299
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Latin Night" w/ DJ George Dennis
Fri. (5 p.m.) Laughing Water (9:30 p.m.) Fish Out of Water (10 p.m.) DJ Capps
Sat. (5 p.m) Pagoda City Allstars (9:30 p.m.) Jamison Celtic Rock (10 p.m.) DJ Paul Desisto
Sun. 6 p.m. "Parkette Auditions"
Wed. 8 p.m. Latin Comedy Night w/ JJ Ramirez

Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Charles Laurita & The Mischief
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Randy Now's Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Fri. 8 p.m. Jet Weston & His Atomic Ranch Hands. $10
Wed. 7:30 p.m./9:30 p.m. Robyn Hitchcock. $40. (Check for ticket availability)

Rossi's Bar & Grill
2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004
Thurs. 7 p.m. Ernie White

Salt Creek Grille
1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Michael Bernabe
Sat. 8 p.m. Brad Mandingo

Small World Coffee
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Darla Rich Quartet

45th Street Pub
2545 Route 130 South Edgewater Park
(856) 488-4578
Fri. 4:30 p.m. David Dzubinski Trio

1867 Sanctuary
101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
No events scheduled due to Easter holiday

Tara's Tavern
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. The Quattro
Sat. 10 p.m. Ted & The Pickles

Tavern On The Lake
101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Vince Sasso Band
Sat. 9 p.m. Extreme Measures
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night

Temperance House
5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Blues Open Mic Hosted by Steve Guyger
Fri. 7 p.m. Sister Blue
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. Jazz w/ John Sheridan

The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir

The Dubliner
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 8 p.m. JB Rocks
Sat. 8 p.m. Celtic Connection

The HOB Tavern
146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Tues 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)

The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. Diablo Sandwich Band
Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Rockin' Ron
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron

The Pines Tavern
6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.

The Raven
385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2081
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) All Male Revue
Fri. (7 p.m.) Kathy Babe Robinson w/ Michael Ferreri (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (7:30 p.m.) "Drag Me To The Top" w/ Paige Turner (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party

The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Check web site for upcoming events

The Roost
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Sat. 9 p.m. Ernie White Duo

The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke

The Cure Insurance Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events

The Sycamore Grill
255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Thurs. 8 p.m. Bob Rotondo
Fri. 8 p.m. Kick Bax Acoustic Trio
Sat. 8 p.m. Idlewoodsmen

Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. David Falcone
Sat. 9 p.m. Kevin McCloskey
Wed. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by ZQ
All shows 21+

Trenton Buzz
702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Sat. 10 p.m. "Buzzed Saturdays" w/ Bockman

Trenton Coffee House and Roaster
750 Cass Street Trenton
(609) 379-0549
Thurs. 6 p.m. Scutches, Rob Black Band, Nikki Nailbomb, Flan. $8

Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny P
Wed. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton

Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 10 p.m. Core Four Ensemble. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Darlingtyn. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night. (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)
All shows 21+

Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton Location)
138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 10 p.m. Pepperwine
Sat. 10 p.m. Essie & the Big Chill

Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock Night
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Tues. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson

Working Dog Winery
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 1 p.m. Pennington Station Band

Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.